SINGLES AND DOUBLES COLLECTION: A - C
The individual episodes have been broken down into several different pages:
OTRR Singles and Doubles Collection, Single Episodes A-C
OTRR Singles and Doubles Collection, Single Episodes D-G
OTRR Singles and Doubles Collection, Single Episodes H-K
OTRR Singles and Doubles Collection, Single Episodes L-N
OTRR Singles and Doubles Collection, Single Episodes O-S
OTRR Singles and Doubles Collection, Single Episodes T-Z
OTRR Singles and Doubles Collection, Single Episodes Vol 2
This is one of these pages. Click on one of the above for a different OTRR Singles and Doubles Collection - Single Episodes page.
This is a work in progress. This OTRR Collection is a Non-Certified one, containing series in which currently only one or two episodes are known to exist -- hence the name: "Singles and Doubles Collection". Almost every type genre is included.
Radio -- called by some The Theater of the Mind -- has been with us since 1920 when stations WWJ of Detroit and KDKA of Pittsburg made the first regular commercial broadcasts. The first program aimed at entertaining the unseen audience followed close behind.
Over the years since then, literally thousands of series have been broadcast nationally and thousands more in regional or local markets. Some endured for a few years, others for 20 or 30, and some unfortunately only had one episode broadcast. Of those thousands, some series saw some of their episodes saved for the future, some saw nearly all and others only one or two episodes.
While the goal of the Old Time Radio Researchers Group is to preserve radios past by collecting, and archiving as many different series as possible and making them available to the community, we do not want to let the series that only had a minimum number of episodes to survive go unpreserved for future generations.
To that end we have put together this unique collection of series. Most of the programs you will find here will be totally unfamilar to you, but they are informative and entertaining none the less.
This is the second version of this collection that we have released. Since the first collection new broadcasts have surfaced, and others will undoubtely be found in the future. When and if that occurs, we will release a version three.
From comedy to drama to cooking shows to music, you'll hear it all here, and every episode will be unique and different. They run the gamut, from the middle 20s to the early 70s, all showing us a glimpse of the past, when things were slower and families gathered round the radio each evening. Times when each person was hearing the same thing, but created a different picture in their minds of what the characters looked like, the scenery, location, and most important the sounds. Sounds that each found a different meaning in, but one that entertained, educated, and made the world a smaller place, where you could hear those stories that in the past were told to just a few, gathered round the dinner table, at a campfire, or in small audiences, but now the whole world could hear and enjoy.
Some of these episodes may be misnamed or misdated. If you find such, please let us know. Additionally there may be some dead air space at the beginning or ending of some episodes. This is not one of our certified sets, it is being provided as a way to obtain those series in which only one or two shows have survived.
From the Old Time Radio Researchers Group. See "Notes" Section below for more information on the OTRR.
Notes
OLD TIME RADIO RESEARCHERS GROUP
This is a production of the Old Time Radio Researchers (OTRR) Group located at Old Time Radio Researchers Website (www.otrr.org), Old Time Radio Researchers Facebook Group, and Old Time Radio Researchers Group.
It contains the most complete and accurate version of this series in the best sound possible at the time of creation. An updated version will be issued if more episodes or better sounding ones become available.
This is the Single Episodes Page. The Non-Certified Set may include extras not found here. It is located at OTRR Non-Certified Set. This Single Episodes page is provided in case you want to sample the shows. Note that in many cases, file names have been modified from the original OTRR names to conform to archive.org naming requirements.
If you are interested in preserving Old Time Radio (OTR), you may wish to join the Old Time Radio Researchers Group at Facebook and Groups.io.
Relax, listen, and enjoy!
OTRR Definitions:
OTRR Maintained Set -- This set contains all known episodes in the best available audio condition with the most accurate dates and titles known to be in general circulation and based on current research at the time of release. Replaces OTRR Certified Accurate and OTRR Certified Complete.
OTRR Non-Maintained Set -- A collection of shows that has not gone through the OTRR Maintenance process.
Pre-2019 OTRR Definitions:
OTRR Certified Accurate -- A series that was "Certified Accurate" indicated that all the episodes were properly identified and labeled based on current information but that the series did not contain all known extant episodes.
OTRR Certified Complete -- A series that was "Certified Complete" achieved the highest level of certification available under the OTRR Certified Standards. This certification level implied that all the files in the series were "Certified Accurate" and also indicated that the series was as complete as possible and included all circulating episodes.
OTRR Non-Certified -- A collection of shows that has not gone through the OTRR Certification process.
Also, beginning in 2019, the version numbers of our OTRR releases changed format -- instead of v1.0 or v2.1, we are now using a version number that reflects the year and month the set was released. The format used is a two-digit year followed by a two-digit month. For example, "v1906" indicates a set that was released in June 2019, or "v1910" indicates a set released in October 2019.
NOTE: There are no passwords for any of our ZIP files. If you are prompted for a password, before downloading the file again, try unzipping the file into a shorter full folder path name -- for example, unzip to "C:\" instead of "C:\Documents and Settings\your_Windows_ID\some_other_folder\". Sorry, some of our releases contain long folder and file names, which sometimes manifests itself on the Windows platform as prompting for a password for the ZIP file. Or try renaming the ZIP file itself to a shorter name before unzipping.
Reviews
Reviewer:
ClassicTVofUSA
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
February 18, 2020
Subject: When things were slower and families gathered round the radio each evening...
Subject: When things were slower and families gathered round the radio each evening...
In your description, when I read the following:
**'when things were slower and families gathered round the radio each evening. Times when each person was hearing the same thing, but created a different picture in their minds of what the characters looked like, the scenery, location, and most important the sounds..'**
It blew my mind!
...Seriously! ! !
I don't need fast-moving tech or video games or social media, all I need is to feel the way you described so succinctly with those words put simply yet beautifully as you did, allowing my mind to conjure up imagery of minds conjuring up imagery hehe. I am but 46 and was not around back in those days of family radio evenings, oh how I would have loved to share such a thing with my family.
This is not a review. I wanted only to say THANK YOU to the people responsible for sharing such a special thing with the world as these shows and best of all your memories of those days that sound so wonderful.
I know. I must be romanticizing a time that I will never quite see or experience the hardships of. Yes, that will be true to a point but isn't it also true that we can romanticize the good parts whilst acknowledging the existence of the hardships too.
I think so.
I know one thing! I would give all my technology away today and trade in my uper-powered beast of a PC, my Samsung tablet and phone and take, in its place, a couple or 3 valve radios. One for the living room, kitchen and bedroom!
Then I'd make new house rules. Certain nights would be radio night. But I would play old time shows on those nights because the cr4p they put out today wouldn't be worthy of sharing with the family. Autotuned lean-sipping morons, no thanks.
The Shadow? YeeeessssSS!
PS. Some of these unknown shows are wondrous! It is great to hear 'new' old time radio!
**'when things were slower and families gathered round the radio each evening. Times when each person was hearing the same thing, but created a different picture in their minds of what the characters looked like, the scenery, location, and most important the sounds..'**
It blew my mind!
...Seriously! ! !
I don't need fast-moving tech or video games or social media, all I need is to feel the way you described so succinctly with those words put simply yet beautifully as you did, allowing my mind to conjure up imagery of minds conjuring up imagery hehe. I am but 46 and was not around back in those days of family radio evenings, oh how I would have loved to share such a thing with my family.
This is not a review. I wanted only to say THANK YOU to the people responsible for sharing such a special thing with the world as these shows and best of all your memories of those days that sound so wonderful.
I know. I must be romanticizing a time that I will never quite see or experience the hardships of. Yes, that will be true to a point but isn't it also true that we can romanticize the good parts whilst acknowledging the existence of the hardships too.
I think so.
I know one thing! I would give all my technology away today and trade in my uper-powered beast of a PC, my Samsung tablet and phone and take, in its place, a couple or 3 valve radios. One for the living room, kitchen and bedroom!
Then I'd make new house rules. Certain nights would be radio night. But I would play old time shows on those nights because the cr4p they put out today wouldn't be worthy of sharing with the family. Autotuned lean-sipping morons, no thanks.
The Shadow? YeeeessssSS!
PS. Some of these unknown shows are wondrous! It is great to hear 'new' old time radio!
Reviewer:
AncientAxim
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 22, 2017
Subject: what a fascinating collection
Subject: what a fascinating collection
something for everyone, something from every thing. We have news, entertainment, music and commentary. I used to fantasize about running my own utopian school, and I imagine for "History" class I would have "my students" listen to some of these broadcasts as an adjunct to the regular studies.
I also imagine most people are like myself, that place themselves in another dimension, passing through space-time when hearing these recorded broadcasts, going right back to the 1930s. So glad these are available and so grateful for the uploader.
I also imagine most people are like myself, that place themselves in another dimension, passing through space-time when hearing these recorded broadcasts, going right back to the 1930s. So glad these are available and so grateful for the uploader.
Reviewer:
milep757
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 1, 2017
Subject: All
Subject: All
I love time radio for the verity of all kinds of listen and watching is just wonderful I could sit back and go back in time
Reviewer:
KK's Bear -
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 23, 2016
Subject: Quite Uplifting
Subject: Quite Uplifting
Thank you with great appreciation for everyone's hard work. It means a lot to be able to tune into the past like this. Not just the wonderful music and programs, but the underlying social flavors of: beliefs, standards, mores, speech syntax, , etc. I LOVE listening and "staging it all in my mind".
I am not old enough to have lived through the times covered, but I am 67 yrs old now, and was raised by my grandmother, who was raised by HER grandmother. This skipping-time-spans (if you'll forgive me) of more 'normal' aged parent influence, brought a broader history span to my upbringing, from those who experienced the times first-hand, thereby making the history come alive with their personal knowledge. That complimented with these wonderful radio programs make this experience PRICELESS to me. I cannot express my heartfelt gratitude accurately.
I am not old enough to have lived through the times covered, but I am 67 yrs old now, and was raised by my grandmother, who was raised by HER grandmother. This skipping-time-spans (if you'll forgive me) of more 'normal' aged parent influence, brought a broader history span to my upbringing, from those who experienced the times first-hand, thereby making the history come alive with their personal knowledge. That complimented with these wonderful radio programs make this experience PRICELESS to me. I cannot express my heartfelt gratitude accurately.
Reviewer:
30smovies
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 17, 2014
Subject: Treasure Trove of Radio Rarities
Subject: Treasure Trove of Radio Rarities
Great collection of rare radio programs, in many cases the only known episode to survive. Includes appearances by Henry Fonda, Bob Hope, Johnny Mercer, Burl Ives, Chill Wills, Gypsy Rose Lee, Hattie McDaniel, Lum n' Abner, Cass Daley.
Reviewer:
nightkey5
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July 24, 2013
Subject: Errors in collection
Subject: Errors in collection
41-12-08_xxx_Adventure_Story.mp3 was Let's Sing and Swing from 12-12-08 (broadcast on NBC Red at 1330 with news of the declaration of war)
41-12-08_xxxx_Adventure_Story.mp3 is apparently the second half of Let's Sing and Swing)
theo has pointed out that American Forum Economic Forecast for 1949 is actually Happy the Humbug (same date)
Best Sellers 45-09-20 was John B. Kennedy
48-07-25 Behind The Front Page was Let's Talk Hollywood
Bob Smith Show should be dated 47-08-25
47-04-26xxxBreakfastwithDorothyandDick.mp3 s/b dated 47-05-09
Broadway Matinee 44-06-07 was Morning in Manhattan (same date)
By The People (12) The Burning of Washington.mp3 is mislabeled. It was By The People (47) Forest Fire.mp3
47-xx-xx007CareerOfAliceBlair2.mp3 and 47-xx-xx008CareerOfAliceBlair2.mp3 - At least 3 episodes of Career of Alice Blair exist in mp3
49-11-29xxxClub930.mp3 There at least 3 episodes of Club 930 available. This file is also misdated and should be 49-11-24. Note the reference to it being Thanksgiving.
xx-xx-xx136ColgateCavalcade1_64kb.mp3 was mislabeled. (This is the second file labeled Colgate Cavalcade). It was a closed circuit broadcast that I have seen labeled as Closed Circuit 52-11-26.mp3
Under C's, 49-09-21xxxTremaynesThe.mp3 was The Croupier (same date)
Under C's, 49-11-10xxxNBCLittleTheater.mp3 was Comedy Playhouse - School for Scandal (same date)
41-12-08_xxxx_Adventure_Story.mp3 is apparently the second half of Let's Sing and Swing)
theo has pointed out that American Forum Economic Forecast for 1949 is actually Happy the Humbug (same date)
Best Sellers 45-09-20 was John B. Kennedy
48-07-25 Behind The Front Page was Let's Talk Hollywood
Bob Smith Show should be dated 47-08-25
47-04-26xxxBreakfastwithDorothyandDick.mp3 s/b dated 47-05-09
Broadway Matinee 44-06-07 was Morning in Manhattan (same date)
By The People (12) The Burning of Washington.mp3 is mislabeled. It was By The People (47) Forest Fire.mp3
47-xx-xx007CareerOfAliceBlair2.mp3 and 47-xx-xx008CareerOfAliceBlair2.mp3 - At least 3 episodes of Career of Alice Blair exist in mp3
49-11-29xxxClub930.mp3 There at least 3 episodes of Club 930 available. This file is also misdated and should be 49-11-24. Note the reference to it being Thanksgiving.
xx-xx-xx136ColgateCavalcade1_64kb.mp3 was mislabeled. (This is the second file labeled Colgate Cavalcade). It was a closed circuit broadcast that I have seen labeled as Closed Circuit 52-11-26.mp3
Under C's, 49-09-21xxxTremaynesThe.mp3 was The Croupier (same date)
Under C's, 49-11-10xxxNBCLittleTheater.mp3 was Comedy Playhouse - School for Scandal (same date)
Reviewer:
Jilly9 -
favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 4, 2011
Subject: kinda sounds like gary cooper
Subject: kinda sounds like gary cooper
in the General Wainwright program
Reviewer:
nenslo
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November 2, 2010
Subject: Correction
Subject: Correction
The file purporting to be Barron Elliot and His Stardust Melodies is in fact an episode of Jane Endicott, Reporter.
Reviewer:
Dodsworth the Cat
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December 21, 2008
Subject: Clint Noble
Subject: Clint Noble
While the file says this programme is from July 3, 1936 (a Friday), and the broadcast itself indicates it ran from 6:15 to 6:30 EDT, the Associated Press programme listing for that time slot show "M. Contreras Orchestra." Several of the programmes mentioned, namely Ford Bond's sportscast, Billy and Betty, and Tom Howard's Jamboree, ran only on WEAF while the rest of the Red Network broadcast other programming.
This aircheck was likely preserved because of the WEAF announcer breaking up after someone whistling in the background.
This aircheck was likely preserved because of the WEAF announcer breaking up after someone whistling in the background.
Reviewer:
davidinberkeley
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 14, 2008
Subject: An interesting grab bag
Subject: An interesting grab bag
I listened with my OTR group to a file randomly. We got "Crime & Death Take No Holidays - Ralph Gramm Robs Bank" and was it ever a surprise!
It was soooo interesting to hear what people put on the air back then.
Then, you could get a stinker, too, so it's definitely a grab bag. I'm glad it's all free!
It was soooo interesting to hear what people put on the air back then.
Then, you could get a stinker, too, so it's definitely a grab bag. I'm glad it's all free!
Reviewer:
Razzilla
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November 2, 2008
Subject: Americans At Work errors
Subject: Americans At Work errors
I found two within them...but I forgot which error later in the set led me to the right one for 390321...
Both shows were for that date
Singles_and_Doubles_Collection_39-09-21_xxx_Americans_At_Work.mp3 is an episode for Women's Home Companion
Singles_and_Doubles_Collection_39-09-21_xxxx_Americans_At_Work.mp3 is an episode of Sundial
***
50-01-09xxxBandDChucklewagon-FirstSong-OhCaterina.mp3 (64Kbps) is from the Dave Garroway Show and I'm still trying to pinpoint a date on this one...
I thought that this was a week earlier than posted earlier (when I heard the new show The Halls Of Ivy at the end...since its premiere was the Friday before that) and removed the comment... There was confirmation on this by a Wisconsin newspaper at the time with the Mel Torme appearance...
Both shows were for that date
Singles_and_Doubles_Collection_39-09-21_xxx_Americans_At_Work.mp3 is an episode for Women's Home Companion
Singles_and_Doubles_Collection_39-09-21_xxxx_Americans_At_Work.mp3 is an episode of Sundial
***
50-01-09xxxBandDChucklewagon-FirstSong-OhCaterina.mp3 (64Kbps) is from the Dave Garroway Show and I'm still trying to pinpoint a date on this one...
I thought that this was a week earlier than posted earlier (when I heard the new show The Halls Of Ivy at the end...since its premiere was the Friday before that) and removed the comment... There was confirmation on this by a Wisconsin newspaper at the time with the Mel Torme appearance...
Reviewer:
UMB
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May 7, 2008
Subject: correction
Subject: correction
47-09-11xxxAtHomeWithTheKirkwoods is mislabeled. It is actually Criminal at Large from 47-09-11 (Murder in Stone With Gerald Mohr)
Reviewer:
Robin_1990
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 22, 2008
Subject: Awesome
Subject: Awesome
I Just downloaded and listened to "Al Trace and His Silly Symphonists", which was very enjoyable. It features great silly music which is quite catchy.
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